The athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sport rarely retire easily. In fact, a study in the Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health journal found that when top athletes stop competing at elite level they often struggle to identify with anything other than their former career.
In a tearful video Thursday, two-time Women’s World Cup champion Alex Morgan said she was retiring from soccer. The United States star, who is the third-highest goal scorer in National Women’s Soccer League history, will play her final game for San Diego Wave this weekend.
Morgan, 35, also is a founder of the fitness tech company Togethxr and recently teamed up with English club London City Lionesses to promote women’s sports. “Even in retirement, I’m still breaking barriers and pushing the game forward for young girls,” she says in a video.
Some athletes, such as Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, have made a U-turn on retirement. After announcing his retirement in 2012, the most decorated Olympian of all time dove back into the pool at 2016 Rio Games and won six more Olympic medals, including five golds.
Other athletes are forced to retire early due to major injuries or to pursue other career options. Professional financial advisers recommend athletes establish trusts that protect their future earnings and prevent taxation and estate planning issues. They also should consider purchasing life insurance and permanent total disability coverage. The American Olympic Committee has launched a program to help athletes in need of financial assistance.